Thyme: Benefits.

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 Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme plants can treat various symptoms and complaints.


The most common variety is Thymus vulgaris. A wide range of thyme-related products, such as for cooking or for skin care, are available.


This article looks at thyme’s medicinal uses and nutrition and the history of its rise to popularity.

thyme in gardens and gathered it in the countryside.


Scientific research does not support this use for respiratory illnesses but has shown that thyme has a range of medicinal properties that modern people can benefit from

Benefits of Thyme.

researched the anticancer effects of thyme. A 2023 study found that concentrations of thyme oil decrease the viability of breast cancer cells by 50%.


Another 2023 study found that thyme oil is rich in components such as thymol and p-cymene, which have detrimental effects on certain cancer cell lines, stopping cancer cells from migrating to other parts of the body and growing.


However, further studies on humans are necessary.


Yeast infection

The fungus Candida albicans is a common cause of yeast infections in the mouth and vagina, a recurring condition called thrush.


Biofilms are a community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can attach to surfaces or things. A 2019 study found that thyme oil could reduce candida biofilm, effectively reducing the infection.


Skin issues

Thyme and thyme oil are popular in skin care due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Its antifungal properties may protect against fungal skin diseases and inflammation, such as acne vulgaris.


History

The ancient Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid. In ancient Greece, they used thyme as an incense in temples and added it to bathwater.


The Romans used thyme to flavor cheese and alcoholic beverages. When they conquered the land, the Roman army introduced thyme to the British Isles.


Hippocrates, who lived around 460 BCE to 370 BCE and is “the father of Western medicine,” recommended thyme for respiratory diseases and conditions. People grew thyme in gardens and gathered it in the countryside.


Scientific research does not support this use for respiratory illnesses but has shown that thyme has a range of medicinal properties that modern people can benefit from.

Forms

People can use fresh thyme leaves in teas and cooking and sometimes place them between layers of linen to protect the fabric from insects.


Thyme’s essential oil, usually called oil of thyme, contains between 20% and 60% thymol.


Manufacturers extract thyme oil for various uses, including scenting soaps and as an ingredient in deodorant.


People have used thyme oil as both an antiseptic and an insect repellent. Thymol is a common meat preservative, and olive farmers often combine thymol into the oil that preserves olives in the Mediterranean.


Unlike fresh leaves, a person cannot consume essential oils by mouth or apply it directly to the skin. It is important to dilute thyme oil in a carrier oil, such as olive oil.


What are the benefits of thyme?

Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — Written by Adam Felman — Updated on October 24, 2024

Benefits

History

Forms

Summary

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb with dietary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The flowers, leaves, and oil of thyme plants can treat various symptoms and complaints.


The most common variety is Thymus vulgaris. A wide range of thyme-related products, such as for cooking or for skin care, are available.


This article looks at thyme’s medicinal uses and nutrition and the history of its rise to popularity.



Benefits of thyme

Oleksandra Stets/Stocksy

Thymol from thyme is one of a naturally occurring class of compounds known as biocides. These are substances that can destroy harmful organisms, such as infectious bacteria.


When used alongside other biocides, such as carvacrol, thyme has strong antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that can cause diseases, such as bacteria.


High blood pressure

A 2023 studyTrusted Source of people with high blood pressure found that thyme herbs can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure and keep it in a standard range.


However, further research on the effects of thyme on high blood pressure is necessary.


Foodborne bacterial infections

The microbial effects of thyme oil can prevent foodborne bacterial and fungi infections from forming in foods.


It may help protect foods from bacteria such as:


Salmonella

Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus bovis, which can cause urinary tract infections and colorectal cancer

E. coli

Klebsiella

Bacillus cereus, which can causeTrusted Source food poisoning

Colon cancer

Some studies suggest that thyme may have antitumor properties, meaning that thyme extract on tumors can significantly decrease their volume. This may work for various tumors and cancers, including colon cancer.


Breast cancer

Many studies have researched the anticancer effects of thyme. A 2023 study found that concentrations of thyme oil decrease the viability of breast cancer cells by 50%.


Another 2023 study found that thyme oil is rich in components such as thymol and p-cymene, which have detrimental effects on certain cancer cell lines, stopping cancer cells from migrating to other parts of the body and growing.


However, further studies on humans are necessary.


Yeast infection

The fungus Candida albicans is a common cause of yeast infections in the mouth and vagina, a recurring condition called thrush.


Biofilms are a community of microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can attach to surfaces or things. A 2019 study found that thyme oil could reduce candida biofilm, effectively reducing the infection.


Skin issues

Thyme and thyme oil are popular in skin care due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Its antifungal properties may protect against fungal skin diseases and inflammation, such as acne vulgaris.


History

The ancient Egyptians used thyme as an embalming fluid. In ancient Greece, they used thyme as an incense in temples and added it to bathwater.


The Romans used thyme to flavor cheese and alcoholic beverages. When they conquered the land, the Roman army introduced thyme to the British Isles.


Hippocrates, who lived around 460 BCE to 370 BCE and is “the father of Western medicine,” recommended thyme for respiratory diseases and conditions. People grew thyme in gardens and gathered it in the countryside.


Scientific research does not support this use for respiratory illnesses but has shown that thyme has a range of medicinal properties that modern people can benefit from.



Forms

People can use fresh thyme leaves in teas and cooking and sometimes place them between layers of linen to protect the fabric from insects.


Thyme’s essential oil, usually called oil of thyme, contains between 20% and 60% thymol.


Manufacturers extract thyme oil for various uses, including scenting soaps and as an ingredient in deodorant.


People have used thyme oil as both an antiseptic and an insect repellent. Thymol is a common meat preservative, and olive farmers often combine thymol into the oil that preserves olives in the Mediterranean.


Unlike fresh leaves, a person cannot consume essential oils by mouth or apply it directly to the skin. It is important to dilute thyme oil in a carrier oil, such as olive oil.


Q:

How do I include more thyme in the diet?


A:

Adding more thyme to your diet is easy because of its versatility. Sprinkle fresh leaves on cooked eggs, poultry, meat, and seafood.


Try adding fresh thyme to your salads and sprinkling it on soups and pasta. You can even stuff animal proteins with thyme before cooking and infuse water or beverages with it.


For superior flavor, choose fresh thyme over any dried products.


Trusted Source Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.



Thyme has various health benefits, such as antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. It may help with various health conditions, such as acne, infections, and high blood pressure.

Thyme has many beneficial effects when added to food. Try sprinkling it on meats and vegetables for extra flavor. Always speak with a healthcare professional before taking supplements or using thyme oil for health.


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